Chocolate chip cookie dough cheesecake

There are several foods I simply can't live without... and one of those foods is cheesecake.  Time and time again I have searched for the perfect creamy, sweet and tangy cheesecake, but have often found myself disappointed with restaurant fare.  So, instead, I've tried several recipes myself, some being more successful than others.  And here is the first that's going in my digital archives - chocolate chip cookie dough cheesecake.

This cheesecake is extremely simple to make, especially if you use store-bought cookie dough.  If not, make chocolate chip cookie dough ahead of time and let cool in refrigerator at least an hour before adding it to the batter.  Another tip for this recipe is to use a pre-made pie crust as well; however, greasing a glass pie dish and lightly layering ground up graham crackers or oreo cookies works just as well.

Ingredients:

2 8oz packages cream cheese

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

2 eggs

3/4 cup chocolate chip cookie dough

handful of milk chocolate hershey kisses (optional)

1 pre-made pie crust (graham cracker or oreo)

Method:

1)With electric mixer, beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until

  well blended

2)Add eggs and mix thoroughly

3)Using 1/2 cup of cookie dough, roll into 1/2 tablespoon-sized

  balls,  drop into mixture, along with hershey kisses, and fold

  gently

4)Pour into pie crust and top with remaining 1/4 cup cookie dough

  as desired

5)Preheat oven to 350F and bake for 45 minutes or until center is

  almost set

6)Refrigerate at least 3 hours (or overnight)